Here’s the thing about microneedling: the device is only half the equation. The serum you use during and after treatment can make or break your results.
Those micro-channels your microneedling kit creates stay open for several hours. Whatever you put on your skin during that window absorbs dramatically deeper than normal. So choosing the right serum isn’t just important—it’s essential.
What Makes a Good Microneedling Serum?
Not every serum belongs in your microneedling routine. The ideal formula should be hydrating without being heavy, packed with skin-repairing ingredients, free of potential irritants, and formulated to absorb quickly.
You want ingredients that support your skin’s healing response, not fight against it.
Top Ingredients to Look For
Hyaluronic Acid
This is the gold standard for microneedling. Hyaluronic acid serum holds up to 1000x its weight in water, flooding your skin with hydration right when it needs it most. It also helps plump fine lines from the inside out.
Look for formulas with multiple molecular weights. Smaller molecules penetrate deeper, while larger ones hydrate the surface.
Peptides
Peptides are amino acid chains that signal your skin to produce more collagen. Since microneedling already triggers collagen production, adding a peptide serum amplifies that effect significantly.
Different peptides do different things. Some focus on firmness, others on hydration or reducing the look of expression lines.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide serum is a multitasker. It strengthens your skin barrier, calms inflammation, and helps with uneven tone. It’s gentle enough to use right after microneedling and plays well with other ingredients.
Serums to Avoid During Microneedling
Some ingredients that are great for daily use become problematic right after treatment:
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): Too acidic and potentially irritating on open channels. Save it for days you’re not microneedling.
AHAs and BHAs: Glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids can cause burns or severe irritation on freshly treated skin.
Retinol and retinoids: Powerful but too intense immediately post-treatment. Wait at least a day.
Anything with fragrance: Synthetic or natural fragrances can trigger reactions when absorbed deeply.
| Ingredient | During Microneedling | 24-48 Hours After |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic Acid | Yes | Yes |
| Peptides | Yes | Yes |
| Niacinamide | Yes | Yes |
| Vitamin C | No | Okay |
| Retinol | No | Okay with caution |
| AHAs/BHAs | No | Wait 48+ hours |
My Recommended Approach
Here’s what actually works based on how skin heals after microneedling:
During treatment: Use a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid and peptides. This gives your skin the building blocks it needs while those channels are wide open.
Immediately after: Apply a second layer of the same serum. Let it absorb fully before bed.
Next morning: Gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, and SPF. Nothing fancy.
24-48 hours later: Gradually reintroduce your regular actives like retinol serum or vitamin C.
What About Serum Capsules?
Single-dose serum capsules are actually ideal for microneedling. Each capsule is sealed and fresh, so there’s no contamination risk. You use the exact right amount, and the formulas are typically concentrated.
They’re especially good if you travel or want to keep things simple. Pop open a capsule, apply during your session, done.
The Bottom Line
Your serum choice directly impacts your microneedling results. Stick with hydrating, peptide-rich formulas during treatment. Save the acids and retinol for later in your routine.
The GlowYoung kit includes a niacinamide serum that’s specifically formulated for microneedling—no guesswork required.
For more on getting the most from your treatments, check out our guide to microneedling aftercare.
